Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe

Pork chops are the best example of how important cooking techniques are. Sure, you can run all over town and pay too much for the best quality, freshest pork chops money can buy, but if you don't know what to do with them you'll end up with a dinner plate full of dry meat. Brine is your first weapon in the arsenal against dryness. A good brine, even just for an hour, will infuse the meat with the moisture it will need to stand up to a hot pan. Your next secret weapon is to cover the chops towards the end of cooking. This will create an oven-type environment that will cook the meat from all sides. Lastly, keep it simple. Salt, pepper and olive oil will bring out the beautiful natural flavors. And if you need a little pizzazz, just add some hot mustard or some gorgeous cherry chutney.

(Image: Jackie Dodd)

Tip

Bone in, or boneless, it's your call! This method will work on either.

Things You'll Need

2 cups hot water

3 tablespoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon peppercorns

1 cup crushed ice

4 pork chops, 1 inch thick

2 tablespoons olive oil

1-2 teaspoons salt

1-2 teaspoons cracked black pepper

(Image: Jackie Dodd)

Tip

Look for a thicker chop for best results. If the chop is much more or less than 1 inch thick, cooking time will need to be adjusted: less time for thinner, more time for thicker.

Video of the Day

Step 1: Make the Brine

Add the hot water, 3 tablespoons salt, and peppercorns to a bowl or baking dish, and stir until the salt has dissolved.

(Image: Jackie Dodd)

Step 2: Chill the Brine

Stir in the ice to chill the brine. (If the brine is too hot, it will start to cook the pork.)

(Image: Jackie Dodd)

Step 3: Brine the Chops

Add the pork chops, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour and up to 6 hours.

(Image: Jackie Dodd)

Step 4: Dry the Pork

Remove the chops from the brine, dry well with paper towels. (Drying well will help the crust to form)

(Image: Jackie Dodd)

Step 5: Season and Rest

Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides. Allow to sit at room temperate for 30 minutes to bring the chops up to room temperate. This will help to cook more evenly than cold pork chops.

(Image: Jackie Dodd)

Step 6: Sear

Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 4 minutes.